Turkmen officials announced on Friday that the construction of the Serhetabat-Herat segment of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is the nation's primary energy objective for 2026.

The strategic focus on the project, commonly known as TAPI, was confirmed by Batyr Amanov, Turkmenistan’s deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, during a high-level government briefing held Jan. 9. 

According to the project’s details, the pipeline is designed to transport Turkmen natural gas to energy-hungry markets across South Asia.

Beyond the pipeline extension, Amanov emphasized that the government will launch subsequent development phases at the Galkynysh gas field — one of the world's largest onshore natural gas deposits, serving as the fundamental source for the country’s ambitious export initiatives.

The 2026 sectoral roadmap also outlines aggressive production targets for the state-run entities Turkmengaz and Turkmennebit. These concerns are tasked with increasing the extraction of natural and associated gas, crude oil, and gas condensate.

The government press service noted that these state agencies are also responsible for boosting the manufacturing of liquefied gas and ensuring the delivery of Turkmen natural gas to global markets. 

Domestically, the administration aims to achieve deeper oil refining capabilities to maintain a steady supply of petroleum products for both local consumers and international trade.

The TAPI project has long been viewed as a critical geopolitical and economic link between Central and South Asia. Once fully operational, the pipeline is expected to transport approximately 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.

Turkmenistan currently holds some of the world's largest proven gas reserves. By prioritizing the Serhetabat-Herat section and the expansion of the Galkynysh field, the country continues its efforts to diversify export routes and strengthen its position as a leading global energy supplier.